Unlock More Space: SharePoint Storage Add-on Licenses

In the ever-evolving world of enterprise collaboration and document management, SharePoint continues to be a go-to solution for many businesses. One aspect that often raises questions is SharePoint's storage capabilities and associated licensing. Specifically, the SharePoint storage add-on license garners significant attention, and this article aims to demystify this component.

SharePoint, a Microsoft product, is a web-based collaborative platform that integrates with Microsoft Office. It's used by organizations to store, share, and collaborate on documents, as well as to create and manage websites. When it comes to storage, SharePoint offers a scalable and flexible solution, but understanding its licensing models can be complex.

Understanding SharePoint Storage

Before delving into the storage add-on license, it's essential to grasp SharePoint's base storage offering. SharePoint Online comes with a foundation of 1TB of cloud-based storage per licenses. However, for many organizations, this base storage may not be sufficient, leading to the exploration of the storage add-on license.

SharePoint Server on-premises and SharePoint Foundation also support a minimum of 1TB of storage per server farm. Yet, similar to the online version, this base storage might not meet all businesses' needs, necessitating additional storage through the storage add-on license.

SharePoint Storage Add-On License: An Overview

The SharePoint storage add-on license is a flexible solution that allows businesses to purchase additional storage space beyond the initial 1TB. This add-on is available for both SharePoint Online and SharePoint's on-premises versions. It provides a scalable solution, enabling businesses to acquire as much storage as required.

By incorporating the storage add-on license, businesses can seamlessly scale their storage capacity without compromising the performance or security of their existing SharePoint environment. Moreover, the add-on license eases budget planning, as it provides predictable costs tied directly to storage usage.

The Math Behind SharePoint Storage Add-On License

SharePoint's storage add-on license is typically calculated per user (or site, for on-premises versions). Microsoft offers different pricing tiers based on the amount of additional storage required. For SharePoint Online, the prices vary depending on the region and the chosen plan (E1, E3, or E5). For on-premises versions, the add-on pricing is fixed at $2.50 per user (or site) per month.

Here's a simplified breakdown of the storage add-on license costs for SharePoint Online, using E3 plan costs for reference (prices are subject to change and may vary based on region):

• E3 Plan (Galaxy): Base storage - 1TB, Add-on storage - $0.90 per user per month for up to 25TB, $1.80 per user per month for storage above 25TB
• E3 Plan (Atmos): Base storage - 1TB, Add-on storage - $1.80 per user per month for up to 25TB, $3.60 per user per month for storage above 25TB

Who Needs a SharePoint Storage Add-On License?

Organizations that anticipate requiring more than the initial 1TB of storage should consider purchasing a SharePoint storage add-on license. This might include companies with large files, extensive document libraries, or those expecting significant data growth.

Additionally, businesses that foresee an increase in the number of SharePoint users might want to plan for the potential storage requirements that come with user growth. By proactively planning and acquiring additional storage, these organizations can avoid unexpected storage capacity issues.

Beyond Storage: Licensing Considerations

While exploring the storage add-on license, it's essential to evaluate overall licensing requirements. Different SharePoint plans (E1, E3, E5, or F1 for Online versions) and servers (Standard, Enterprise) offer varying features and functionalities. Ensuring the selected plan aligns with the organization's needs and users' roles is crucial.

For instance, while E3 offers a richer feature set compared to E1, it may not be necessary or cost-effective for all users in an organization. Thus, businesses should consider implementing role-based licensing, where appropriate, to balance features and costs effectively.

In conclusion, a well-planned approach to SharePoint storage ensures that your organization can make the most of this powerful platform. Understanding the SharePoint storage add-on license helps in tailoring your storage capacity to meet your business needs while keeping your migration or upgrade projects on budget. Stay informed about your organization's storage requirements, and reach out to Microsoft or certified partners for expert guidance in optimizing your SharePoint licensing strategy.